- Harvard and Yale scientists are investigating a newly identified condition called ‘Long Vax’ believed to be caused by the Covid vaccination.
- The condition is characterized by debilitating symptoms that can persist for months after receiving the shot, resembling ‘Long Covid’.
- Common symptoms of Long Vax include headaches, intense fatigue, abnormal heart rate and blood pressure, and tingling, burning pain, and blood circulation issues.
- The true prevalence of Long Vax is still unknown, but a study led by Dr. Harlan Krumholz at Yale is examining approximately 2,000 individuals to gain more insights into the issue.
I would like to recount the investigation of a perplexing new condition known as ‘Long Vax’ by a cadre of Harvard and Yale scientists. This condition, believed to be induced by Covid vaccination, presents a debilitating range of symptoms that linger for months, resembling those encountered in individuals suffering from ‘Long Covid’. The researchers have grappled with unraveling the enigma of Long Vax, studying its manifestations in patients who experience symptoms such as headaches, profound fatigue, abnormal heart rate, and fluctuating blood pressure. It is worth mentioning that tingling sensations, burning pain, and circulatory issues have also been observed, which may be unique to this vaccine-related affliction.
At present, the full extent of those affected remains unknown, however, Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a respected cardiologist at Yale, is leading a study of approximately 2,000 individuals invested in shedding light on this matter. It is important to emphasize that while this condition is considered rare, it pales in comparison to the severe prevalence of Covid itself. The experts have maintained that the advantages bestowed by vaccination far outweigh the associated risks. In fact, vaccination has shown to significantly diminish the likelihood of experiencing Long Covid, which has plagued almost one in eight adults who have endured the acute illness caused by the virus.
However, Dr. Krumholz asserts that venturing into the investigation of Long Vax has been somewhat contentious due to the conspiratorial notions often embraced by certain factions and the current anti-vaxx movement. The eminent physician admits his initial hesitancy in delving into this matter, fearing that his efforts to understand and confront the issue might be maligned by those prone to wild conjecture. Nevertheless, the rapidly rising number of cases presenting with Long Vax symptoms has compelled him to acknowledge that something indeed warrants further examination. Being a scientist first and foremost, he insists that an open mind ought to be maintained, and that every possible avenue to address this situation must be explored.
Dr. Anne Louise Oaklander, a respected neurologist and researcher at Harvard Medical School, lends her support to Dr. Krumholz’s assertion. She posits that the accumulation of even a modest number of patients displaying symptoms suggestive of Long Vax is indicative of an inherent issue. The adage “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” seems particularly apt in this context.
While the medical community grapples with understanding Long Vax, a parallel has been observed with Long Covid, which is thought to arise from the persistence of remnants of the Covid virus within the body or from an overreactive immune response that is unable to reset itself. Researchers hypothesize that in the case of Long Vax, a similar immune overreaction to the Covid spike protein present in the vaccine may be responsible for the observed symptoms. It is believed that some individuals might produce a second wave of antibodies that mistakenly target healthy cells. These antibodies may also interfere with ACE2, a receptor involved in regulating blood pressure and heart rate that is also utilized by the Covid virus to enter the body. Hence, if the signaling of ACE2 is disrupted, it could potentially lead to accelerated heart rates and blood pressure fluctuations.
Dr. Krumholz noted that Long Vax appears distinct from Long Covid based on the temporal pattern of symptom onset. However, accurately quantifying the prevalence of Long Vax as compared to Long Covid has proven problematic as studies have provided conflicting and incongruous data.
Approximately one year ago, Dr. Krumholz and Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, an esteemed immunologist at Yale, initiated a comprehensive study called LISTEN (Listen to Immune, Symptom, and Treatment Experiences Now). This groundbreaking study aims to unravel the mysteries of Long Covid symptoms and to understand the corresponding immune responses. The study includes participants who have experienced Long Covid as well as those who have reported symptoms potentially attributed to Long Vax. By examining immune cell patterns alongside symptomatology, the researchers hope to elucidate how individuals’ immune systems evolve following vaccination.
Interestingly, overlaps have been observed between Long Vax and other medical conditions. One such condition is small fiber neuropathy, characterized by nerve damage that results in tingling sensations, burning pain, and circulatory complications. The second identified condition is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which can be triggered by symptoms of small fiber neuropathy. POTS manifests as muscle weakness, fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Notably, patients experiencing symptoms subsequent to Covid vaccination may exhibit aspects of either condition, even if their symptoms fail to meet diagnostic thresholds, potentially leading to milder cases going unnoticed.
Whilst Long Vax garners increasing attention from researchers in the field, both American and European regulatory bodies have stated that no definitive connection has been established between Covid vaccines and the occurrence of small fiber neuropathy or POTS. Although Dr. Vinay Prasad, a hematologist-oncologist and professor at the University of California San Francisco, has voiced skepticism regarding the available data supporting the hypothesis of Long Vax, he reminds us that it is crucial to subject the phenomenon to rigorous scientific scrutiny. He compares the debate surrounding Long Vax to the controversy surrounding autism supposedly caused by the MMR vaccine, highlighting the need for evidence-based discourse.
In conclusion, it is my deep-seated belief that the issues surrounding Long Vax warrant further investigation. The acknowledgment of this condition, despite the widespread success of Covid vaccination, is an essential step towards understanding and addressing the potential side effects associated with it. As discerning readers, it is our responsibility to critically examine the available evidence and consider the potential consequences imparted by the Covid vaccine. I do hope that future research endeavors shed light upon Long Vax, facilitating our comprehension of its underlying mechanisms and, ultimately, fostering the development of suitable interventions.
